Review: King of Pangea, Kings Head Theatre

King of Pangea is an engaging exploration of how we can seek comfort and wisdom from childhood fantasies whist processing the harsher realities we face as adults. Writer Martin Storrow presents this journey through both compellingly spoken words and memorable songs, brought to life by a talented cast.

Sam Crow (Alfie Blackwell) has returned home to support his father, Arthur (Dan Burton), in caring for his beloved mother, Celia (Sophia Ragavelas), as she faces a terminal illness. Struggling to balance this pressing need with his commitments to university and girlfriend Amy (Emily Tang), Sam seeks an escape from his sorrows by invoking his childhood fantasy land of Pangea. Sam learns life lessons from his Pangean guides, who take the form of familiar faces in fantastical guises; Burton and Tang double as a quirky boat Captain and his mate Maya, whilst Mark Curry brings great charm to the whimsical Elijah. Sam even receives guidance from his younger self (Tayt Joshua Silvester-Stoller and Daniel Lee), to prepare for the harsh truths awaiting him back in the real world.

Storrow’s script fleshes out both worlds and balances the time spent between them. To facilitate the early journey to Pangea, some backstory is presented in flashback; the warmth between the actors quickly establishes their loving relationships. Pangea is cleverly crafted from childlike wonders (the birthplace of toffee) and humorous grown-up influences from older Sam (limited liability insurance). The dual roles of actors is cleverly acknowledged, with Pangean characters a childlike amplification of their real-world counterparts.

Director Richard Israel deftly modulates the actors’ performances to match the more subdued real world and the amplified wonder of Pangea, mirroring Sam’s emotions. This is exemplified by the approach to the creative songs. The sorrowful contemplative ballads of the real world are often performed standing static, whilst the cast race around the stage for the upbeat and whimsical Pangean tunes. A highlight is an energetic rapid rap duet between Blackwell and Curry, complete with miming DJ record spinning. The cast expertly perform the range of songs with enthusiasm, conveying the range of quieter emotions and outward delight. Musical director Jordan Paul Clarke provides appropriately understated or energetic music, performed by the live band, unobtrusively positioned on a platform in a corner. In a nice touch, once in Pangea, Elijah and the Captain actively point them out and interact with them.

Every aspect of production has been cleverly designed to highlight the contrasts between reality and fantasy. Carly Brownbridge’s costume design reflects the sombre reality in muted colours for Sam, Arthur and Amy; their plain clothing comprising plain blues, greys and duller earth tones. The positive Celia wears eye-catching purple and paisley designs, foreshadowing how Sam imagines the flamboyant Pangean fashions; Elijah’s bright yellow shorts and multi-coloured Hawaiian shirt, and the Captain and Maya’s bright and intricately patterned seafaring outfits. Lighting, designed by Catja Hamilton, brightens or darkens to reflect the emotional tone, and adapts to enhance the various adventures encountered in Pangea. Likewise, Yvonne Gilbert’s creative sound design is sparingly deployed to enhance the fantastical aspects, practically bringing the river-based sequences to imaginative life. With two worlds to present on limited stage space, Brownbridge’sset takes the form of a set of earth-toned steps with a river flowing down it, mirroring Sam’s journey. The set is modular and full of storage spaces to enable a variety of furniture and props to be moved on set.

Much like the journey Sam undergoes, there is a full range of experiences for audiences to discover in Pangea, thoughtful reflections on managing grief and the joyful excitement of remembering childhood adventures.

Book, music and lyrics by: Martin Storrow
Directed by: Richard Israel
Produced by: Jamie Bartolett, Jerry Mitchell, Lucas Katler, Nicole LaFountaine
Set and costume design by: Carly Brownbridge
Music direction by: Jordan Paul Clarke
Lighting design by: Catja Hamilton
Sound design by: Yvonne Gilbert
Produced by: Jerry Mitchell

King of Pangea plays at King’s Head Theatre until Sunday 6 July.